Associate Degree Offers High Paying Jobs
It isn’t news that having education will lead to a better paying career, but not everyone has the time or the money to get a bachelor’s degree, let alone a master’s. Oftentimes, the financial burden of attending higher education is the deciding factor behind the reason many do not pursue advanced degrees, despite knowing that it could lead to better job prospects for the future. This does not mean, however, that higher education is out of the question. There are several two year associate degrees that have a high return on investment and are often a better option in terms of high paying career options, including those in healthcare, technology, or skilled labor.
The most encouraging evidence of the benefits of an associate degree is the fact that high growth jobs requiring an associate’s degree will grow by an average of 35% in the coming years. Meanwhile, the average growth rate of all jobs by 2020 is just 14%. This is partly due to the fact that hiring more support positions versus highly trained professionals is more cost efficient for employers. With projections like these, earning an associate degree is becoming more and more valuable in the workplace.
Another great advantage of the associate degree is that they have the shortest payback period. The combination of lower tuition rates with high median earnings on the job means these graduates are able to pay off their tuition sooner - often in just two years on average. A two-year school offers the credentials needed at a much lower cost than a university, while offering similar post-degree earnings, sometimes better, than what could be made after going to a four-year school.
Of course, it cannot be overlooked that for several students who work full time, the best benefit of an associate degree is the flexibility of degree programs that suit each student's unique schedule. For non-traditional students who work full-time or take care of young children, time is a crucial issue. Older workers can take classes in the afternoon, at night or on weekends. Students can even earn an associate degree at an online college in the same amount of time as at a traditional school, but have more flexibility to work and care for children while earning an associate degree. Associate degrees also keep students out of the workforce for a shorter amount of time.
The bottom line is that it’s not necessary to go the “traditional” route to land a high paying job. Associate degrees can provide students with the skills and experience needed to get started in a career almost immediately. It’s true that college students can learn an enormous amount about history, literature, and all the intellectual pursuits that make their lives richer and deeper, but for those interested in jump-starting their career, an associate degree can be the way to well-paying careers.
*Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
